As temperatures rise, so do the risks for employees working in hot environments. Whether indoors or outdoors, heat stress is a very real hazard that employers cannot afford to overlook. It’s not just about discomfort—heat stress can lead to serious health conditions such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and even death.
Every year, thousands of workers fall ill due to heat exposure on the job. Many of these cases are preventable with the right planning, education, and safety controls. Now is the time to evaluate your workplace and implement a heat illness prevention strategy that keeps your workforce safe, healthy, and productive.
What Is Heat Stress?
Heat stress occurs when the body’s ability to regulate internal temperature is overwhelmed by external heat, humidity, or physical exertion. Symptoms can range from fatigue and dizziness to confusion, fainting, and seizures. Left unaddressed, heat stress can escalate quickly into life-threatening conditions.
Who Is at Risk?
Any worker exposed to high temperatures or physically demanding tasks in warm conditions is at risk. This includes employees in construction, agriculture, landscaping, foundries, kitchens, warehouses, and more. Even indoor environments without sufficient ventilation can become dangerously hot.
Prevention Starts with Planning
Employers are responsible for identifying heat hazards and reducing worker exposure through engineering, administrative, and behavioral controls. A well-designed heat illness prevention program should include:
- Hydration access
: Provide cool drinking water and encourage regular consumption throughout the day.
- Rest breaks and recovery areas
: Offer shaded or air-conditioned spaces where workers can cool off.
- Acclimatization protocols
: Gradually increase exposure for new workers or those returning from time off.
- Training and awareness
: Educate supervisors and employees to recognize symptoms of heat illness and respond appropriately.
- Monitoring conditions
: Use temperature and humidity monitors or Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) devices to track environmental risks.
Engineering and Administrative Controls
Employ ventilation, fans, or cooling systems in indoor settings. Stagger work shifts to avoid peak heat hours, reduce workload intensity, and rotate job tasks to limit continuous exposure.
Clothing and PPE
Encourage lightweight, breathable clothing and, when necessary, supply cooling vests or specialized personal protective equipment (PPE) that helps regulate body temperature.
OSHA Compliance
While there is no federal OSHA heat stress standard yet, employers are required under the General Duty Clause to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards—including extreme heat. Proactively managing this risk helps protect workers and shields your organization from potential citations and liability.
Stay Ahead of the Heat
A heat-related emergency can happen fast, but so can prevention. With proper planning, training, and safety measures, your team can stay safe and productive—even during the hottest months of the year.
Need help developing a heat illness prevention program tailored to your operations? Contact U.S. Compliance to learn more about how we can support your safety and compliance goals.
